Histone deacetylase inhibitors and the promise of epigenetic (and more) treatments for cancer
Nature Reviews Cancer, (January 2006)DOI: 10.1038/nrc1779
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are considered to be among the most promising targets in drug development for cancer therapy, and first-generation histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are currently being tested in phase I/II clinical trials. A wide-ranging knowledge of the role of HDACs in tumorigenesis, and of the action of HDACi, has been achieved. However, several basic aspects are not yet fully understood. Investigating these aspects in the context of what we now understand about HDACi action both in vitro and in vivo will further improve the design of optimized clinical protocols.
Description
This article discusses the potential of using HDAC inhibitors to treat cancer. Research has found that HDAC inhibitors tend to suppress cell growth, and trigger apoptosis in higher concentrations. Tumor cells appear to be more vulnerable to these effects than ordinary cells. However, not all HDAC inhibitors function the same, and they can be toxic at higher doses.